Article-dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A vendor for packs of cigarettes comprising a plurality of banks of columns (e.g., three banks with twelve columns per bank), each column being adapted to hold a stack of packs to be vended. The banks of columns are arranged to provide a plurality of side-byside rows of columns (e.g., twelve rows). Each column is adapted for ejection of the lowermost pack of the stack in that column by a carriage movable underneath the banks carrying a plurality of ejectors, one (and only one) for each of the rows of columns. Each ejector is movable from a down position to an up position for ejection of the lowermost pack of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves through an ejecting stroke, means being provided for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which the selected column is situated from its down to its up position prior to said ejector reaching the bank in which said selected column is situated.

United States Patent [191 Schuller et al.

[ 1 ARTICLE-DISPENSING APPARATUS [75] Inventors: James T. Schuller, St. Louis; Gerry A. Lee, Bridgeton, both of Mo.

[73] Assignee: UMC Industries, Inc, New York,

[22] Filed: Oct. 10, 1972 [21] Appl. N0.: 296,154

[52] US. Cl 221/123,.22l/l33, 221/253, 221/270 [51] Int. Cl. B6511 3/44, G07f 11/10 [58] Field 01' Search 221/123, 124, 129, 130, 221/131, 133,126,127, 92, 253, 270

[56] References (Iited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,117,906 5/1938 Obermiller 221/270 X 2,858,042 8/1958 Gabrielsen et a1 221/133 X 3,074,593 1/1963 Krakauer et a1. 221/129 X 3,193,138 7/1965 Cox et a1. 22l/l 16 3,228,553 l/1966 Breitenstein et al 221/6 June 25, 1974 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerFrancis J. Bartuska Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Koenig, Senniger, Powers and Leavitt 5 7] ABSTRACT A vendor for packs of cigarettes comprising a plurality of banks of columns (e. g., three banks with twelve columns per bank), each column being adapted to hold a stack of packs to be vended. The banks of columns are arranged to provide a plurality of side-by-side rows of columns (e.g., twelve rows). Each column is adapted for ejection of the lowermost pack of the stack in that column by a carriage movable underneath the banks carrying a plurality of ejectors, one (and only one) for each of the rows of columns. Each ejector is movable from a down position to an up position for ejection of the lowermost pack of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves through an ejecting stroke, means being provided for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which the selected column is situated from its down to its up position prior to said ejector reaching the bank in which said selected column is situated.

16 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PMENTEnmasmu SHEU 1 BF 9 Hu l PATENIE JUNZSISM sum 2 or 9 NQE BEBE

ND \Qu Q8 m3 wwm mum wvu mwu wwu mum N Gm jiwtm Q DEED mm QUQW 3& Bwm w mm mm v ww wwv fix @w 3% 2w Qw NE PATENTED JUN 2 5 I874 SHEET t 0F 9 I ARTICLE-DISPENSING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to article-dispensing apparatus, and more particularly apparatus of this class for dispensing articles from stacks thereof in vertical magazines or columns.

The invention is especially directed toward a vendor for packs of cigarettes, and is concerned with the problem of increasing the number of different brands of cigarettes that may be vended and the capacity of the vendor for packs of the different brands without unduly increasing the size and cost of the vendor.

The invention is in the same field as the machines shown in US. Pat. Nos. 3,193,138 and 3,228,553, and may be regarded as involving certain improvements thereover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a vendor particularly for packs of cigarettes adapted to vend a relatively large number of different brands of cigarettes and having a capacity for a relatively large number of packs of cigarettes while being of acceptable size and cost; the provision of such a vendor which is relatively easy to load with the different brands; and the provision of an efficient and reliable vendor such as described.

In general, a vendor of this invention comprises a plurality of banks of columns, each column being adapted to hold a stack of articles to be vended. The banks are mounted generally parallel to one another in vertically fixed position relative to one another and arranged so that each column in each bank is generally coplanar with a respective column in each other bank in a vertical plane generally at right angles to the planes of the banks thereby providing a plurality of side-by-side rows of columns with the number of rows corresponding to the number of columns in each bank, and with the number of columns in each row corresponding to the number of banks. Each column is adapted for ejection of the lowermost article of the respective stack in one direction in the respective row. A carriage movable underneath the banks in said one direction through an ejection stroke carries a plurality of ejectors, one for each of said rows of columns, for movement from a retracted position to an article-ejecting position for ejection of the lowermost article of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves in said one direction through an ejecting stroke. Means is provided for effecting ejection of an article from a selected column, comprising means for effecting movement of the carriage through an ejecting stroke and means for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which said selected column is situation from its retracted position to its ejecting position prior said ejector reaching the bank in which said selected column is situated. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a vertical section of a vendor of this invention for packs of cigarettes, taken on line l]l of FIG.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal section of the vendor taken on line 22 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section of the vendor taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing an ejector carriage of the vendor at the rear of its stroke;

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the lower part of FIG. I, in section on line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the inside left of the lower part of the vendor and illustrating the carriage in an advanced position with an ejector up in position for ejection of a pack from a column of the center bank of columns of the vendor;

FIG. 5 is a section on line 5-5 of FIG. 3 on the same scale as FIG. 4, showing the inside right of the lower part of the vendor, and showing the carriage in its home position;

FIG. 6 is an enlargement of part of FIG. 4 showing the carriage in its home position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail section taken generally on line 8--8 of FIG. 3 showing moved positions of the carriage in solid lines and in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a detail view on line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail section taken generally on line 9-9 of FIG. 4, and showing a moved position of parts;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail section taken generally on line 10-10 of FIG. 4; and

FIGS. 11A and 11B together constitute a wiring diagram, FIG. 11B being a continuation of FIG. 11A.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A vendor of this invention for vending packs of cigarettes is shown, but it will be understood that the principles of the invention may be utilized for vending various articles of merchandise other than cigarettes. The vendor will hereinafter be described as vending packs of cigarettes and, as will appear, is adapted selectively to vend different brands of cigarettes (up to 36 different brands). Referring to the drawings, first more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vendor is shown to comprise a console cabinet 1, i.e., a cabinet of relatively low height, its top being below eye level. The cabinet has the usual front door such as indicated at 3, pivoted to swing on a vertical hinge 5 at the left of the cabinet as viewed from the front. The door has the usual latch (not shown) for locking it closed and the usual coin inlet (not shown) for receiving coins of different denominations, the coins dropping through a chute to the usual coin handling apparatus (which will include a totalizer for registering the total value of coins deposited, and means for controlling the vending operation, and may include a change maker). Each pack vended is delivered to a delivery station indicated at D in FIG. l, at which there is a delivery pan 7 on the inside of the door, the latter having the usual delivery opening 9 enabling a purchaser to reach in for a pack in the pan. The pan is preferably in the form of a relatively narrow trough, having a front wall 11 inclined up and forward toward the bottom of opening 9, a bottom wall 12 inclined up and back, a back wall 15 inclined up and slightly forward, and a back wall extension or guide 17 inclined up and back. The cross section of the delivery pan, as shown, is such as to receive a pack of cigarettes P on end, with the top of the pack accessible for being grasped through the delivery opening 9. At a convenient level above the delivery opening, the door carries a selector switch box 19. In this box are a plurality of selector switches each generally designated by the reference character S, one for each of different brands of cigarettes to be stocked in the vendor, operable by a purchaser via a respective pushbutton PB upon deposit of an appropriate amount in coin for effecting delivery to the pan of a pack of cigarettes of the respective brand. As herein illustrated, there are 36 such selector switches, for handling up to 36 different brands, and 36 push buttons.

Packs of cigarettes to be vended are stocked in the cabinet in columns (vertical magazines) arranged in three banks designated A, B and C, each of which extends transversely of the cabinet. The columns in bank A are generally designated by the reference character AC, those in bank B by BC, and those in bank C by CC. Each column in each bank is adapted to hold a stack of packs P of one brand of cigarettes to be vended. Means to be described mounts the three banks A, B and C generally vertical and parallel to one another in vertically fixed position relative to one another and arranged so that each column in each bank is generally coplanar with a respective column in the other two banks in a vertical plane generally at right angles to the planes of the banks. As herein illustrated, there are twelve columns in each bank (making 36 in all), those in bank A being designated AC1 AC12, those in bank B being designated BCl BC12, and those in bank C being designated CC1 CC12, from left to right. Thus, 12 side-by-side rows of columns are provided, these rows being AC1-BCl-CC1, AC2-BC2-CC2, etc. (see FIG. 2). The number of rows corresponds to the number (12) of columns in each of banks A, B and C, and the number of columns in each row is three, corresponding to the number of banks. Each and every one of the 36 columns is adapted for ejection of the lowermost pack of the respective stack in one direction in the respective row, more particularly in the direction toward the front of the cabinet.

A carriage indicated generally at 21 (see particularly FIGS. 24) is movable underneath the three banks A, B and C of columns first rearward from its home position shown in FIG. 6 to the rear position shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1 and 3, then forward (toward the front of the cabinet) through an ejecting stroke and then in the opposite direction (i.e., rearward) back to its home position. This carriage carries a plurality of ejectors, one for each of the stated rows of columns. Each ejector is generally designated by the reference character E. With 12 columns in each bank as shown, there are 12 such ejectors, specially designated El E12, E1 being for columns AC1, BCl and CC1, E2 being for columns AC2, BC2 and CC2, etc. Each ejector is carried by the carriage for movement from a retracted position to an article-ejecting position, as will appear, for ejection of the lowermost article of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves forward through an ejecting stroke. Means including the selector switches is provided for effecting ejection of a pack from a selected column, comprising means indicated generally at 23 for effecting movement of the carriage 21 through an ejecting stroke and means including an ejector actuator 25 for each ejector for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which the selected column is situated from its retracted position to its ejecting position prior to said ejector reaching the bank in which the selected column is situated.

The selector switches are specially designated SAC 1 SAC12 for the switches for columns AC1 AC12, SBCl SBC12 for the switches for columns BCl BC 12, and SCCl SCC12 for the switches for columns CC1 CC12. Assuming, for example, that switch SBC6 is actuated for vending a pack from the corresponding column BC6 in the sixth row of the 12 rows of three columns each, the result is to move the carriage forward and actuate ejector E6 (for the sixth row) prior to ejector E6 reaching the bank B in which column BC6 is situated.

Bank A of columns is located toward the rear of the cabinet, bank C is located toward the back of the cabinet, and bank B is located between banks A and C, with a space between A and B and a space between B and C. Banks C and B are mounted in assembly to swing in and out of the cabinet (when the door is open) on a vertical axis at the left of the cabinet. Bank C is mounted on a frame 27 pivoted on a pin 29 extending between upper and lower brackets 31 and 33 mounted on the inside of the left side wall of the cabinet. Bank B is secured in the rear of bank C and spaced therefrom on upper and lower crossbars 3S and 37 secured to the rear of bank C. The columns in bank C are defined by partitions 39, have flanges 41 at the front, flanges 43 at the back, and flanges 45 at the bottom, and are adapted to be loaded from the front. The columns in bank B are defined by partitions 49, have flanges 51 at the front, flanges 53 at the back and flanges 55 at each side of the bottom, and are adapted to be loaded from the back when the assembly of banks C and B is swung out of the cabinet. Bank A is secured at its rear to crossbars 57 on the inside of the back wall 58 of the cabinet. Its columns are defined by partitions 59, have flanges 61 at the front, flanges 63 at the rear, flanges 65 at the bottom, and are adapted to be loaded from the front when the assembly of banks C and B is swung out of the cabinet.

The bottom flanges 45 of each of the twelve columns in the front bank C are adapted to support the bottom pack of a stack of packs in the respective column, with this pack adapted to be ejected forward from the column by being pushed forward along the flanges and out through a front ejection opening 67 at the bottom of the column. The front flanges 41 of the columns of the front bank C terminate short of the bottom flanges 45 to provide these bottom front ejection openings. Each ejector E is adapted to engage the rear of the bottom pack of the stack in the respective column of the front bank, move forward between the bottom flanges, and push the bottom pack forward and out through the respective ejection opening 67. The lower ends of the front flanges 41 are spaced from the bottom flanges 45 a distance greater than the thickness of one pack but less than twice the pack thickness so that only the bottom pack is pushed out. The back flanges 43 of the columns in the front bank C terminate short of the bottom flanges 45 to provide a rear ejector entry opening 68 at the lower end of each column of the front bank. Above this opening on the back of all the columnsof the front bank is an ejector stop 68a.

The bottom flanges 55 of each of the twelve columns in the center bank B are adapted to support the bottom pack of a stack of packs in the respective magazine, with this pack adapted to be ejected forward from the column by being pushed forward along the flanges and out through a front ejection opening 69 at the bottom of the column. The front flanges 51 of the columns of bank B terminate short of the bottom flanges 55, to provide these bottom front ejection openings. Each ejector E is adapted to engage the rear of the bottom pack of the stack in the respective column of the center bank, move forward between the bottom flanges, and push the bottom pack forward and out through the respective ejection opening 69. The lower ends of the front flanges 51 are spaced from the bottom flanges a distance greater than the thickness of one pack but less than twice the pack thickness so that only the bottom pack is pushed out. The back flanges 53 of the columns in the center bank B terminate short of the bottom flanges 55 to provide a rear ejector entry opening at the lower end of each column of the center bank. Above this opening on the back of all of the columns of the center bank is an ejector stop 70a.

The bottom flanges 65 of each of the twelve columns in the rear bank A are adapted to support the bottom pack of a stack of packs in the respective magazine with this pack adapted to be ejected forward from the column by being pushed forward along the flanges and out through a front ejection opening 71 at the bottom of the column. The front flanges 61 of the columns of the rear bank A terminate short of the bottom flanges 65, to provide these bottom front ejection openings. Each ejector E is adapted to engage the rearof the bottom pack of the stackin the respective column of the rear bank, move forward between the bottom flanges, and push the bottom pack forward and out through the respective ejection opening 71. The lower ends of the front flanges 61 are spaced from the bottom flanges 65 a distance greater than the thickness of one pack but less than twice the pack thickness so that only the bottom pack is pushed out. The back flanges 63 of the columns in the rear bank A terminate short of the bottom flanges 65 to provide a rear ejector entry opening 72 at the lower end of each column of the center bank. Above this opening on the back of all the columns of the rear bank is an ejector stop 72a.

The spaces 74 and 76 between banks A and B and between banks B and C are less than the length of a pack of cigarettes, and the lower ends of the banks are arranged in stepped formation for ejection of packs from bank A underneath bank B and from bank B underneath bank C. Thus, as shown in FlGS. 1 and 4, bank B extends down below the level of the bottom of bank C a distance generally corresponding to the ejection opening height, and bank A extends down below the level of the bottom of bank B a distance also generally corresponding to the ejection opening height. Bank B is considerably higher than bank C, and not only extends down below the level of the bottom of bank C but also extends well above the level of the top of bank C. The tops of banks A and B are at about the same level. The ejection openings 67, 69 and 71 lie generally in a plane inclined upwardly from the rear of the cabinet toward the front at an angle to the horizontal of about 10 as shown. Bank C may have a door at the top as indicated at 73. Each of the three banks A, B and C of columns has a pivoted vend flap adapted to be swung upwardly by a pack being ejected from any column in the bank, these vend flaps being designated VFA, VFB and VFC, respectively.

The carriage 21 is part of a carriage unit or assembly indicated generally at mounted within the cabinet on a raised bottom 77 of the cabinet behind the delivery pan 7. This carriage unit comprises a bottom 79, front and back walls 81 and 83, and left and right side walls and 87. It fits in the cabinet with its bottom 79 resting on the raised bottom 77 of the cabinet and extending transversely of the cabinet from near one side wall of the cabinet to near the other. The front wall 81 is of relatively low height and the side walls 85 and 87 extend up well above its upper level. On the inside of the side walls 85 and 87 adjacent the top of the side walls are tracks 89 for the carriage. Each track is constituted by a channel suitably secured on the inside of the respective side wall, having a straight reach 89a inclined upwardly from the rear of the side wall toward the front generally parallel to the inclined plane of the three ejection openings 67, 69 and 71, and a downwardly curved forward reach 8%. The carriage 21 comprises an elongate bridge member 91 of shallow channel shape in cross section arranged with its relatively narrow front and back flanges 93 and 95 extending downwardly, and having end plates 97 carrying rollers 99 riding in the tracks 89. The carriage 21 normally occupies the retracted or home position, in which it appears in phantom in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIG. 5 adjacent but spaced somewhat forward from the rear of unit 75 (and adjacent but spaced somewhat forward from the back wall 58 of the cabinet). It is movable first rearward from this home position, then forward through an ejecting stroke, and then back to retracted position, by a chain drive generally indicated at 101. This chain drive includes two front sprockets each designated 103 on stub shafts 105 extending inwardly from the side walls 85 and 87 adjacent the front of unit 75, two rear sprockets each designated 107 on stub shafts 109 extending inwardly from the side walls 85 and 87 adjacent the rear of unit 75, and two endless chains each designated 1 11, one trained around sprockets 103 and 107 on the inside of wall 85 and the other trained around sprockets 103 and 107 on the inside of wall 87. Shafts 109 are located on a horizontal axis below the axis of shafts 105 to the effect that the chains have upper inclined reaches 111a parallel to the inclined reaches 89a of the tracks 89 and just below the latter. The chains are maintained taut by chain-tensioning idler sprockets 113 on bell cranks 115 pivoted at 117 on the inside of the side walls 85 and 87. Sprockets 113 are biased into chain-tensioning engagement with the bottom of the lower reaches of the chains 111 by springs 119 connected to the bell cranks.

A chain drive shaft 121 is journalled at its ends in the side walls 85 and 87. A gearrnotor 123 mounted on the inside of the left-hand side wall 85 has its output shaft connected to the left-hand sprocket 103 and to this drive shaft 121 via a chain and sprocket drive 125 on the outside of wall 85. The drive shaft 121 is connected at its right end to the right-hand sprocket via another chain and sprocket drive 127 on the outside of wall 87. Each of the carriage end plates 97 has an elongate slot 129 receiving a pin 131 on the inside of the respective chain 111 for coupling the chains to the carriage, the slots being at right angles to the upper reaches of the chains.

Each of the twelve ejectors E1 E12 comprises a bell crank lever pivoted at 133 on a pin extending lengthwise of the carriage 21 at the front of and somewhat above the level of the bridge 91. The pin is carried by brackets 135 extending forwardly and upwardly from the front flange 93 of the bridge. Each ejector has a long flat arm 137 extending back over the bridge 91 from the pivot pin 133, an upwardly extending relatively narrow finger or stem 139 at the rear end of the arm with a crosshead 141 on the upper end of the finger, and a short front arm 140 extending down from the pivot. The actuator 25 for each ejector comprises a solenoid generally designated by the reference character ES having its plunger 143 pin-connected as indicated at 145 to one arm of a two-part three-arm lever 147 pivoted on a pin 149 carried by a bracket structure 151 extending between the carriage end plates 97. The front arm 140 of each ejector has a pin 153 received in a slot 155 in a second arm of the lever 147, and a return spring 157 is connected to the third arm 158 of the lever 147 for biasing the lever 147 to swing in counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4 for biasing the ejector to swing down clockwise on its pivot at 133 to its lowered retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the ejector arm 137 lies flat on top of the bridge 91, and concomitantly biasing the plunger 143 of the respective solenoid ES to a retracted position (FIG. 6) of extension from the solenoid coil. There are l2 solenoids ESl ES12 mounted side-by-side underneath the bridge 91 by means of the mounting 151, the latter carrying the pins 149 and having the springs 157 attached thereto as shown. The lever 147 is made of two parts-as indicated at 159 and 161 yieldingly connected by a spring 163, the two parts being individually rotatable away from one another on the pin 149 against the return bias of spring' 163. The rear entry openings (68, 70, 72) of each column provide for entry into the column at its lower end of the crosshead 141 of the respective ejector E. The crosshead is narrower than the width of the column but wider than the gap between the bottom flanges so that it may rest at its ends and slide forward on the bottom flanges, pushing the bottom pack P of the stack in the respective column forward as it slides forward on the bottom flanges. The finger 139 of the ejector is narrower than the gap between the bottom flanges of the column. FIG. 4 shows the crosshead 141 of ejector E6 in a raised position above the bottom flanges 55 of column BC6, and FIG. 9 shows the crosshead resting on the bottom flanges.

Extending between the side walls 85 and 87 of unit 75 below the level of the lower reaches of the chains 111 is a support generally designated 165 of inverted channel shape in cross section and comprising a top plate or web 167, and front and back flanges 169 and 171. These flanges have lips 173 at their ends secured to the left and right side walls 85 and 87 of unit 75. The web 167 and the upper portions of the flanges 169 and 171 terminate short of the side walls 85 and 87 to provide gaps such as indicated at 175 in FIG. 3 for passage of the carriage end plates 97. The latter have outwardly extending flanges 177 at their lower ends (see FIG. 10).

The support 165 carries 12 ejector controls, one for each ejector, located side-by-side on top of the support, with each control generally coplanar with its respective ejector. Each of these ejector controls is generally designated by the reference character EC. With 12 ejectors, there are 12 such controls, specifically designated ECl EC12, ECl being for ejector El, EC2 being for ejector E2, etc. The ejector controls ECl EC12 are all identical, each comprising a bracket 179 having a bottom wall 181 and a side wall 183. Mounted on the side wall, one stacked against the other, are two switches, designated by the reference characters EClA and EClB for the control ECl, EC2A and EC28 for the control EC2, etc., and which may be referred to as the A and B switches. As to each of the ejector controls, the push buttons of both the A and B switches extend down from the switch cases. and are conjointly operable by a switch actuator 185 which is pivotally mounted at 187 on the bracket 179. The switch actuator 185 has a step at 189 engageable with the push buttons, an upwardly extending stem 191 having a head 193, and is biased to swing upward for engagement of the step 189 with the push buttons by a spring 195. Associated with each switch actuator is a latch 197 pivoted at 199 on the bracket 179 having a nose 201 engageable in an opening 203 in the stem 191 of the actuator 185 to hold the actuator down in a retracted position relative to the A and B switches. The latch is biased by a spring 205 toward its latching position, and has a tail 207 engageable by a flap 209 to release it from latching engagement with the switch actuator.

The flap 209 is a common actuator for the latches 197 of all 12 ejector controls ECl EC12. It comprises an elongate plate extending between the side walls 85 and 87 of unit below the web 167 of the support 165, pivoted for swinging movement about a horizontal axis parallel to and adjacent its front edge as indicated at 211. The flap 209 is suitably biased to swing down about the stated horizontal axis to a retracted position determined by its engagement with a stop 213. It has upwardly extending flanges 215 at each of its ends adjacent the side walls and 87 of unit 75 carrying the follower rollers 217 engageable by cam means 221 on the inside of each of the carriage end plates 97 to swing the flap up to engage the latch tails 207 and release the latches 197. Each cam means comprises a lever pivoted at 223 on the inside of the respective carriage end plate 97 carrying an inclined cam lug 225 for engagement with the respective roller, biased by a spring 227 to a roller-engaging position determined by its engagement with a stop 229. When the carriage moves forward (to the left) as shown in FIG. 7, the cam lugs 225 pass over the follower rollers and the levers 223 rock counterclockwise against the bias of springs 227. When the carriage returns rearward, the cam lugs come under the rollers 127 and cam the flap up.

Mounted on the inside of the left side wall 85 of unit 75 (see particularly FIG. 4) are three switches 231, 233 and 235 referred to as the rear bank switch, the center bank switch, and the front bank switch, these switches being controlled by the carriage 21. The rear bank switch 231 has an actuating arm 237 which is normally held in by a cam 239 pivoted at 241 on the inside of wall 85, and biased to a switch-arm-actuating position by a spring 243. The cam 239 has an upwardly extending arm 245 engageable by the flange 177 of the left end plate 97 of the carriage 21 as the carriage moves rearward from its home position to swing the cam 239 to release the switch arm 237 at a point where the ejector crossheads 141 are below the rear bank A of columns. The center bank switch 233 has an actuating arm 247 normally held in by a cam 249 pivoted at 251 on wall 85, and biased to a switch-arm-actuating position by a spring 253. The cam 249 has an upwardly extending arm 255 engageable by the flange 177 of the left end plate 97 of the carriage 21 as the carriage moves forward to swing the cam 249 to release the switch arm 247 at a point where the ejector crossheads are below the rear bank A of columns. The cam 249 is held in its switch-arm-release position (see FIG. 4) by the stated flange 177 until this flange passes off the upper end of the arm 255, whereupon thecam 249 is swung to its switch-arm-actuating position. While the flange 177 swings the cam 249 in the opposite direction on the rearward return stroke of the carriage, the cam is so contoured (being part-circular as shown) that the switch arm 247 remains pushed in on the carriage return stroke.

The front bank switch 235 has an actuating arm 257 normally held in by a cam 259 pivoted at 261 on wall 85, and biased to a switch-arm-actuating position by a spring 262. The cam 259 has an upwardly extending arm 263 engageable by the flange 177 of the left end plate 97 of the carriage 21 as the carriage moves forward to swing the cam 259 to release the switch arm 257 at a point where the ejector crossheads are below the center bank B of columns. The cam 259 is held in its switch-arm-release position by the stated flange 177 until the flange passes off the upper end of the arm 263, whereupon the cam 259 is swung to its switch-armactuating position. While the flange 177 swings the cam 259 in the opposite direction on the rearward return stroke of the carriage, the cam is so contoured (being part-circular as shown) that the switch arm 257 remains pushed in on the carriage return stroke.

Pivoted at 265 on the inside of the left side wall 85 of unit 75 is a lever 267 having a roller 269 engageable by and with the forward edge of the left end plate 97 of the carriage 21, this lever being biased to swing rearward on its pivot by a spring 271. A similar lever 277 is pivoted at 275 on the inside of the right side wall 87 of unit 75, having a roller 279 engageable by and with the forward edge of the right end plate 97 of the carriage 21, and being biased to swing rearward on its pivot by a spring 281. The arrangement is such that as the carriage 21, in moving forward, approaches the forward end of its stroke, the forward edges of its end plates 97 engage rollers 269 and 279, thereby swinging levers 267 and 277 forward and tensioning the springs 271 and 281, and as the carriage reverses its direction and starts to return rearward, the springs 271 and 281, and as the carriage reverses its direction and start to return rearward, the springs 271 and 281 act via the levers 267 and 277 to provide a power assist for starting the return of the carriage to avoid overloading the motor 123.

Mounted on the inside of the right side wall 87 of unit 75 adjacent its rear is a switch 283, referred to as the vend cycle switch, having an actuating arm 285 adapted to be held in by a cam 287 pivoted at 289 on wall 87, and biased to a switch-arm-actuating position by a spring 291. The cam has an upwardly extending arm 293 engageable by the rearward end of the flange 177 of the right end plate 97 of the carriage 21 when the carriage moves to its home position to release the switch arm 285. Also mounted on the inside of wall 87 are two switches 295 and 297 stacked one against the other, switch 295 being referred to as the cancel safety switch and switch 297 being referred to as the match safety switch. These switches have actuating arms indicated at 299 and 301 normally held in by a cam 303 pivoted at 305 on wall 87 and biased to a switch-armactuating position by a spring 307. This cam has an upwardly extending arm 309 engageable by the flange 177 of the right end plate of the carriage 21 when the carriage moves to its home position to release the switch arms 299 and 381 (see FIG. 5). This flange has a gap indicated at 3111 in FIG. 5. The cancel safety switch 295 functions to prevent any return of coin and the match safety switch functions to prevent dispensing of match books when the carriage is in home position.

Also mounted on the inside of wall 87 is a switch 311 referred to as the sold-out switch (see FIG. 5). There is also a switch 313 (see FIG. 1113) referred to as the sold out safety switch. Switch 311 has an actuating arm indicated at 315 normally held in by a cam 317 pivoted at 319 on wall 87 and swingable between a home position wherein it holds in the switch arm and a release position wherein the arm is released. These positions are determined by engagement of detent 321 in notches 323 and 325, respectively, in the upper edge of the cam. Detent 321 is pivoted at 327 on wall 87 and biased to swing into engagement with the cam plate by a spring 329. Lever 277 has an arm 331 engageable with the cam 317 for swinging the latter from its home position to its release position when lever 277 is swung clockwise as viewed in FIG. 5 by the carriage as the latter reaches the end of its forward stroke. The cam 317 is adapted to be returned to its home position via a link 333 connected as indicated at 335 at one end to the cam 303 and having a pin and slot connection as indicated at 337 at its other end to the cam 317.

The electrical circuitry of the vendor is shown in FIGS. 12A and 128. At the top of FIG. 12A are shown a representative three of the 36 selector switches S, these three being specifically the switches SAC1 (for column AC1 of the rear bank), $806 (for column BC6 of the center bank) and SCC12 (for column CC12 of the front bank). As shown, each of these (and each of the other 33 selector switches) comprises a doublethrow movable contactor normally closed on an upper contact and adapted when actuated by a purchaser (via the respective push button PB) to open off the upper contact and close on a lower contact. The upper contact of each selector switch is connected as indicated at 341 to the movable contactor of the next successive selector switch in the series of 36 selector switches. At SlRl are indicated a set of normally closed contacts of a relay R1 connected as indicated at 343 between ground and the movable contactor of the first selector switch SACl in the series of selector switches.

Immediately below the selector switches in FIG. 12A are shown a representative three of the switch A ejector switches ECllA EC12A and immediately below the latter are shown a representative three of the 12 B ejector switches EC1B EC12B, the three A switches shown being EC1A, EC6A and EC12A, and the three 13 switches shown being EC1B, EC6B and EC12B (in view of selector switches SAC 1, SBC6 and SCC12 having been shown as representative of the 36 selector switches). Accordingly, solenoids BS1, E86 and ES12 of the twelve solenoids ESl E812 are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 12B, each of the twelve selector switches SAC1 SAC12 for the columns of the rear bank is shown to have associated with it a so-called rear bank decoder switch ADS; each of the 12 selector switches SBC1 SBC12 for the columns of the center row has associated with it a so-called center bank decoder switch BDS; and each of the l2 selector switches SCC1 SCC1-2 has associated with it a so-called front bank decoder switch CDS. Each decoder switch is normally closed on its upper contacts, and is closed on its lower contact on operation of the respective selector switch (via a mechanical connection or other suitable arrangement). Only one of the 12 ADS switches, only one of the 12 BDS switches and only one of the 12 CD8 switches is illustrated in FIG. 118. The ADS switches control a rear bank decoder relay coil AR, the BDS switches control a center bank decoder relay coil BR, and the CDS switches control a front bank decoder relay coil CR. The coil AR is connected as indicated at 345 beween a power line 347 fed from an ac. power source (indicated by the sign) via the normally closed contacts S2R1 of a relay SZR and the lower contact of each of the ADS switches. The coil BR is connected as indicated at 349 between line 347 and the lower contact of the BDS switches. The coil CR is connected as indicated at 351 between line 347 and the lower contact of each of the CDS switches. The ADS, BDS and CD8 switches are interconnected as indicated at 353 and connected to ground via contacts SlRl as indicated at 355 with the arrangement such that, whenever any ADS switch is closed coil AR is energized, whenever any BDS switch is closed coil BR is energized, and whenever any CDS switch is closed coil CR is energized.

Coils AR, BR and CR are part of a row of decoder unit 357 which includes a set of center relay contacts BRl and a set of front relay contacts CR1, and which includes conventional means whereby, when coil CR is energized, the movable contactor of set CR1 moves down off an upper contact onto a lower contact, and remains down until either of coils AR or BR is energized; and when coil BR is energized, the movable contactor of set BRl moves down off an upper contact and remains down until either of coils AR or CR is energized. When coil AR is energized, the effect is to throw the movable contactor of set ER] or CR1 back onto the respective upper contact.

At 359, 361 and 363 in FIG. 11B are indicated three double-throw vend flap switches, switch 359 being actuated by the vend flap VFA for the rear bank (see FIG. 4), switch 361 being actuated by the vend flap VFB for the center bank, and switch 363 being actuated by the vend flap VFC for the from bank, whenever a pack of cigarettes is pushed out of any column of the respective bank. At 365 (FIG. 11A) is indicated a recorder for totalizing the amount of coin deposited in the vendor and setting up a vend upon deposit of an appropriate amount in coin. At 367, 369 and 371 are indicated low price, medium price and high price lines controlled by the recorder for vending at three different juices. Solenoid B81 is shown as connected in a line LESl between the high price line 371 and the lower contact of selector switch SACI. It will be understood that it is also connected between the high price line and the lower contacts of selector switches SBCl and SCCl. Solenoid E56 is shown as being connected in a line LES6 between the medium price line 369 and the lower contact of selector switch SBC6. lt will be understood that it is also connected between the medium price line and the lower contacts of selector switches SAC6 and SCC6. Solenoid ES12 is shown as being connected in a line LES12 between the high price line 371 and the lower contact of selector switch SCC12. It will be understood that it is also connected between the low price line and the lower contacts of selector switches SAC12 and SBC12. Lines 367, 369 and 371 are energized from a line 373 whenever the latter is energized and upon deposit of sufficient amount in coin as regards the respective prices. At 375 is indicated a unit for making change. The lower contact of each A switch is connected to a respective LES line (e.g,. LESI) between the respective ES solenoid and the respective selector switch as indicated at 377 for switch EC 1A. The movable contactor of each of the A switches in the series of 12 A switches is connected to the upper contact of the next successive A switch as indicated at 379. A power line 381 including a set of contacts S3R3 of a relay R3 and a make coil 383 for the sold-out safety switch 313 extends to the movable contactor of the 12 A switch SEC 12A. The lowercontact of each B switch is connected to a respective LES line below the respective ES solenoid as indicated at 385. The movable contactor of each B switch in the series of 12 B switches is connected to the upper contact of the next successive B switch as indicated at 387. The movable contactor of the 12 B switch is energized via a diode D2 from an ac. power source. The coil of relay R1 is connected in a line 389 between the upper contact of the first B switch and ground.

The arrangement is such that when selector switch SAC 1 is actuated after deposit of an appropriate amount in coin, solenoid B51 is energized and the switches EClA and EClB close on their lower contacts. Similarly, when selector switch SBC6 is actuated after deposit of an appropriate amount in coin, solenoid E56 is energized and switches EC6A and EC6B close on their lower contacts. And when selector switch SCC12 is actuated after deposit of an appropriate amount in coin, solenoid E812 is energized and switches EC12A and EC12B close on their lower contacts. The respective A switch sets up a standby circuit via line 381 for the respective solenoid. The respective B switch deenergizes relay R1, opening relay contacts SlRl.

The cycle switch 283 for the vend motor 123 is connected in series with this motor in a line 391 between an ac. supply and ground. This switch is normally open, being closed by the carriage 21 after the motor starts and opening when the motor completes a vend cycle (i.e., when the carriage 21 returns home). The motor starts on closure of the movable contactor of a set of contacts S3R1 of relay R1 on the upper contact of the set. This is connected via a line 393 to line 391. A line 395 including a normally closed set of contacts S3R2 of relay R2 is connected between an ac. supply and the movable contactor of set S3R1. A line 397 connects the lower contact of set S3R1 and the movable contactor of a so-called upper cancel switch 399. A line 401 including a normally open so-called lower cancel switch 403 and a so-called cancel solenoid 405 is connected between the lower contact of switch 399 and ground. A line 407 including a normally closed set of contacts S2R2 of relay R2 interconnects the upper contacts of the upper cancel switch 399 and line 373. A line 409 including the cancel safety switch 295 (which is normally open) interconnects lines 407 and 381.

A line 411 connects an ac. power source to the movable contactor of the rear vend flap switch 359. This is normally closed on its upper contact, which is connected as indicated at 413 to the movable contactor of thecenter vend flap switch 361, which is normally closed on its upper contact, and the latter is connected as indicated at 415 to the movable contactor of the front vend flap switch 363. The lower contacts of all three vend flap switches are connected to a line 417 including the match safety switch 297(normally open) and a break" coil 419 for the sold-out safety switch 313, leading to ground. A motor MM for driving a match dispenser (not shown) is under control of a cycle switch 421 having its upper contact interconnected by a line 423 to the right-hand contact (the automatic operation contact) of a manual-automatic switch 425. The movable contactor of the latter is connected by a line 427 with line 417, and its left-hand contact (its manual operation contact) is connected by a line 429 including a coil 431 to the grounded lower side of the match motor MM. The movable contactor of the cycle switch 421 is connected by a line 433 to the upper side of the match motor and the lower contact of the cycle switch 421 is connected by a line 435 to the upper contact of the front vend flap switch 363. The coil 431 when energized closes a switch 437 in a line 439 interconnecting the upper side of the match motor MM and line 435 and including a switch 441 adapted for manual operation (with switch 425 set on manual) to start the match motor MM on a match-dispensing cycle.

The coil of relay R3 is connected in a line 443 including normally closed contacts S1R3 of relay R3 between the upper contacts of the front vend flap switch 363 (via line 435) and ground and also connected to ground in series with a normally open auxiliary switch 445 of the recorder via a line 447. Normally closed contacts S2R3 of relay R3, normally closed cancel solenoid switch 449 (controlled by solenoid 405), and a normally closed control switch 451 for a coin-handling reset motor CHRM, and the coil of relay R2 are connected in series in a line 453 between an a.c. supply and ground. A coin-return electromagnet CREM is connected in parallel with R2. The motor CHRM is controlled by a set of contacts S1R2 of relay R2, the motor being connected in a line 455 between the upper contact of this set and ground. An a.c. power source is connected to the movable contactor of set S1R2, which is normally open off the upper contact and closed on its lower contact, the latter being interconnected by a line 457 with line 395. The sold-out safety switch 313, which is normally closed, is connected in series with the normally open sold-out switch 311 and a sold-out lamp 459 in a line 461 between an a.c. power switch and ground. A vend counter is indicated at 463 (FIG. 11A) in a circuit including a counter interlock switch 465 and normally open contacts S4R2 of relay R2.

The lower contact of set BR1 in the row decoder 357 is connected in series with the center bank switch 233 (which is normally open) in a line 467 connected to line 381 at 469. The lower contact of set CR1 in the row decoder is connected in series with the front bank switch 235 (which is normally open) in a line 471 connected to line 381 at 473. The upper contact of set CR1 is connected in series with the rear bank switch 231 (which is normally open) in a line 475 connected to line 381 at 477. The movable contactor of set BRl is connected to ground as indicated at 479.

The gearmotor 123, which is also referred to as the vend motor, is adapted when energized to drive the chains 111 in the direction for forward movement of their upper reaches 111a and rearward movement of their lower reaches as indicated by the arrows in FIGS.

4-6. When the carriage 21 is in its home position (FIGS. 5 and 6), the carriage drive pins 131 are down on the lower reaches of the chains adjacent the lower ends of the slots 129 in the carriage end plates 97 and somewhat forward of the rear sprockets 107. When the motor 123 is energized, the pins 131 first move rearward and push the carriage rearward. Then, as the pins 131 move up and around with the chains travelling around the rear sprockets 107, they change direction, move forward and push the carriage forward. Ultimately, as the pins move down and around with the chains travelling around the forward sprockets 103, they reverse direction and push the carriage rearward back to its home position. As determined by the tracks 89, the carriage reciprocates in a straight-line path except for being tilted by the curved forward ends 8% of the tracks at the forward end of its stroke. On each vend cycle, it moves back from its home position and then forward all in a straight-line path, then tilts up and forward, then swings back down and returns in said straight-line path back to its home position.

Operation is as follows:

Prior to any vend cycle, the carriage 21 is in its home position of FIGS. 5 and 6. All twelve of the ejector solenoids E51 E812 are deenergized, and all 12 ejectors E1 E12 are down on top of the carriage in their retracted position. All 12 of the latches 197 are released, and all 12 switch actuators are up (under the bias of their springs holding in the push buttons of all 12 of the A switches ECllA EC12A and all 12 of the B switches EClB EC12B. With the solenoids ESl ES 12 deenergized, not only are the ejectors retracted, but lever arms 158 are also up in their retracted position of FIG. 6 above the respective switch actuator heads 193.

Let it be assumed that a purchaser wishes to purchase a pack of the cigarettes stocked in column AC1 (the first column of the rear bank A), and that he has deposited coin in the vendor in amount sufficient for the price of one of these packs (the high price of the three, according to the FIG. 11A set-up). The recorder 365 will thereby have set up conditions for a vend of a pack at the high price, i.e., it will have closed a circuit from line 373 to line 371 (the high price line). Operation then proceeds as follows:

Al. The purchaser pushes the button PB of the selector switch SAC1 for column AC1. The effect of this is to close the movable contactor of switch SAC1 on its lower contact and to close the movable contactor of the respective ADS switch on its lower contact.

A2. The ejector solenoid ESl for column AC1 is energized via line 395 including contacts S3R2, contacts S3R1, line 397, switch 399, line 407 including contacts S2R2, lines 373 and 371, line LESl and line 343 including contacts S1R1. The rear bank solenoid AR is energized via contacts S2R1, line 347, line 345, switch ADS (closed on its lower contact), switches BDS and CD8 (closed on their upper contacts), line 355 and line 343 including contacts S1R1. A3. On energization of ejector solenoid ESl, ejector El swings up and arm 158 of the first ejector actuator 25 swings down, driving down the switch actuator 185 of the first ejector control EC1 and thereby releasing the buttons of switches EClA and EClB. The switch acutator 185 is latched down in its actuated position by the respective latch 197.

A4. Upon release of the button of switch EClB, the movable contactor of this switch opens off its upper contact, deenergizing the coil of relay R1, resulting in opening of relay contacts SlRl, S2R1, and in closure of the movable contactor of the set of contacts S3R1 on the upper contact of this set.

A5. Upon release of the button of switch EC 1A, the movable contactor of this switch closes on its lower contact. This deenergizes the ejector solenoid ES 1, and the ejector El swings back down to its retracted position under the bias of spring 157, the plunger 143 of solenoid ESl being extended (as in FIG. 6). However, the movable contactor of switch EClA closes on its lower contact and this sets up a standby circuit for energization of ejector solenoid ESl via the rear bank switch 231 (as will appear) when this switch is actuated by the carriage 21 as the carriage travels rearward from its home position.

A6. Upon closure of the movable contactor of the set of relay contacts S3R1 on the upper contact of this set, a circuit is completed for the vend motor 123 via 395, 393 and 391, and the motor is set in operation to drive the chains 111 and thereby drive the carriage 21.

A7. The carriage is first driven rearward, and, almost immediately, the flange 177 on the left end plate 97 of 25 the carriage engages the arm 245 of cam 239 to swing the cam clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4, thereby releasing the button of the rear bank switch 231.

A8. On release of the button of the rear bank switch 231, this switch closes, completing a circuit for ejector solenoid ES] from line 371 (still energized from recorder 365), switch EClA (closed on its lower contact), the remaining A switches including EC6A and EC12A (all closed on their upper contacts), line 381, switch 231 (closed), line 475 and switches CR1 and BR1 (both closed) to ground at 479.

A9. On energization of ejector solenoid ESl, ejector E1 is swung up; preferably this occurs before the carriage 21 has completed its rearward movement and the crosshead 141 of ejector E1 strikes the bottom flanges 65 of column AC1. While the upward swing of the ejector E1 is thus limited at this point by engagement of the crosshead with these flanges 65, part 161 of lever 147 is enabled to yield away from part 159 via the spring connection 163.

A10. The carriage 21 continues to move rearward, the crosshead 141 of ejector E1 sliding rearward in engagement with bottom flanges 65 of column AC1, and as the carriage completes its rearward travel, the crosshead passes out from under the flanges and the ejector E1 swings farther upward to the point where the crosshead engages the stop 72a.

Al 1. The motor 123 continues in operationdriving the chains 111 and the carriage 21 changes direction and starts its forward ejecting stroke. As it moves forward, with ejector ESl swung up, the crosshead 141 at the rear of ejector ESl moves forward into the lower end of column AC1 via the entry opening 72 and starts pushing the lowermost pack P of the stack of packs in column AC1 forward and out through the ejection opening 71 of column AC1.

' Al2. As the carriage 21 moves forward, the flange 177 on its left end plate 97 wipes off the amt 245 of cam 239 and the latter pushes the button of the rear bank switch 231 back in, opening the latter. This breaks the circuit for the ejector solenoid ES] and the ejector E1 is thereby freed to swing down, but does so only to the point where its crosshead 141 engages the upper surfaces of the bottom flanges 65 of column AC1. Thus, even though the ejector solenoid B81 is deenergized before the pack is fully ejected, the ejector E1 stays up via its crosshead being held up and the crosshead continues to push the pack forward out of column AC1.

A13. As the carriage 21 moves forward, the pack P being ejected from column AC 1 raises the rear bank vend flap VFA and actuates the rear vend flap switch 359, opening its movable contactor off its upper contact and bringing the latter down on its lower contact.

Al4. Actuation of switch 359 as above noted results in deenergization of the coil of relay R3, opening its contacts S1R3, S2R3 and S3R3.

A15. On opening of contacts S2R3, the coil of relay R2 is deenergized, so that the movable contactor of set S1R2 closes on its upper contact, contacts S2R2 and S3R2 open, and contacts S4R2 close (actuating the counter 463).

A16. On closure of the movable contactor of S1R2 on its upper contact, the coin-handling reset motor is energized via line 455 to reset the recorder 365 to zero, with resultant deenergization of line 371. Also, line 457 is deenergized.

A17. On opening of contacts S3R2, line 395 is deenergized, but the vend motor 183 remains in operation via the cycle switch 283 having closed when the carriage 21 moved forward to complete a motor circuit via line 391.

A28. When the crosshead 141 of ejector E1 exits from the lower end of column AC1 and slides off the bottom flanges 65 of the latter, ejector El swings down to its lowered retracted position wherein its arm 137 lies flat on top of the bridge 91 of the carriage. The pack ejected by the crosshead lies flat and endwise on the arm 137, and is carried forward by the carriage toward the front of the vendor. As the carriage approaches the front of the vendor (at the forward end of its ejecting stroke), the forward rollers 99 (followed by the rearward rollers 99) travel around and down in the curved forward reaches 89b of the tracks 89, so that the carriage together with the ejectors tilts up and forward (as indicated in phantom in phantom in FIG. 1). The ejected pack thereupon slides down off the carriage (i.e., off the flat arm 137 of ejector E1) and into the delivery pan 7 at the delivery station D, becoming disposed in upended position inclined forward with its upper end available for easily being grasped via the delivery opening 9 (also as indicated in phantom in FIG. 1).

A19. Also, as the carriage 21 approaches the forward end of its stroke, the flange 177 on its right end plate 97, it swings the lever 277 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 5. Arm 331 of lever 277 swings cam 317 counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 5 to release the button of the sold-out switch 311, and the cam is latched in a switchrelease position via engagement of detent 321 in notch 325 in the cam. While switch 311 closes on release of its button, the sold-out lamp 459 remains deenergized because the sold-out safety switch 313 was opened on actuation of the selector switch SACl due to energization of the make" coil 383 via line 381.

A20. Having delivered the ejected pack to the delivery pan, the carriage 21 returns rearward and stops in its home position due to carriage 21 effecting opening of the vend cycle switch 283 when it reaches the home position. Opening of switch 283 breaks motor circuit 391 and deenergizes the vend motor 173.

A21. In the course of the return movement of the carriage, the cam lugs 225 engage the follower rollers 217 on the flap 209 and swing the latter up to engage the latch tail 207 of the control EC1, thereby releasing the respective latch 197 from the switch actuator 182 of control ECl, so that the bottoms of switches EC1A and EC1B are pushed in and readied for the next vend cycle (i.e., returned to their FIG. 11A condition).

A22. Also, as the carriage 21 returns to its home position, the flange 177 on its right end plate 97 actuates cam 309 back to its FIG. position, and cam 309 acts via link 333 to return cam 317 to its FIG. 5 position.

If column AC1 should be empty, the ejector E1 will go through the motions of ejecting a pack, but, since there is no pack to eject, the rear bank vend flap VFA is not actuated, and switch 359 remains closed. As a result, relay R3 remains energized, relay R2 remains energized, the movable contact of the set of contacts SlR2 remains down, and the coin-handling reset motor CHRM remains off, so that the money deposited by the purchaser is held in escrow. When the carriage actuates the sold-out switch 311 at the forward end of its stroke, the sold-out lamp 459 is energized, indicating to the purchaser that he should make another selection, and the carriage returns home. It is to be noted that the make" coil 383 for the sold-out safety switch 313 is energized on actuation of any selector switch to close switch 313; the break coil 419 is energized to open the switch 313 via actuation of a vend flap switch on actuation of the respective vend flap (e.g., on actuation of 359 by VFA), and actuation of the match safety switch 297 by the carriage.

Selection of a pack of cigarettes stocked in any one of columns AC2 ACl2 of the rear bank A is effected by actuation of the respective selector switch SAC2 SAC12, and the operation generally parallels the above (except, of course, that the respective ejector E2 E12 is actuated for ejection of a pack from the respective column AC2 AC12).

Selection of a pack of cigarettes stocked in any one of columns BC1 BC12 of the center bank is effected by actuation of the respective selector switch SBCl SBC12. Considering that switch SBC6 is actuated to purchase a pack from column BC6, operation proceeds according to the following steps:

Bl. Generally the same as step A1 above except that the movable contactor of switch BDS is closed on its lower contact.

B2. Generally the same as step A2 except that the ejector solenoid BS6 for ejector E6 is energized, and the center bank solenoid BR is energized (instead of AR). This throws switch BR1 down.

B3. Generally the same as step A3 except that ejector E6 swings up (instead of E1), and switches EC6A and EC6B have their buttons released.

B4. Generally the same as step A4 except that release of the button of switch EC6B deenergizes relay R1.

B5. Generally the same as step A5 except that switch EC6A deenergizes solenoid ES6, ejector E6 is released, and EC6A sets up a standby circuit for solenoid ES6 when this switch is actuated by carriage 21 as it moves forward.

B6. Same as A6.

B6. Same as A7.

B8. Switch 231 is released but without actuation of solenoid ESl since switch BR1 is down.

B9 and B10. The carriage 21 moves rearward and completes its rearward movement without any ejector being up.-

B1 1 B12. The carriage 21 moves forward as in steps A11 A12, but without any actuation of any ejector until the flange 177 on its left end plate 97 engages the arm 255 of the cam 249 and thereby swings this cam to release the button of the center bank switch 233. The latter thereupon closes, completing the circuit for the ejector solenoid ES6 from line 369, switch EC6A (closed on its lower contact), the remaining A switches, line 381, switch 233 (closed). line 467 and switch BR1 (closed on its lower contact). Solenoid E36, being energized, swings up ejector E6. Preferably, this occurs before the crosshead 141 of ejector E6 has travelled out from under the rear bank A, and the crosshead strikes the bottom flanges 65 of column AC6 and slides forward until it clears these flanges. Then it swings up to the point where it strikes stop a and enters the lower end of column BC6 and starts pushing the lowermost pack of the stock in this column forward and out through the ejection opening 69 of this column. As the carriage 21 continues to move forward, the flange 177 on its left end plate 97 wipes off the am 255 of cam 249, and the latter pushes the button of the cen ter bank switch 233 back in, opening the latter. This breaks the circuit for the ejector solenoid E86 and the ejector E6 is thereby freed to swing down, but does so only to the point where its crosshead 141 engages the upper surfaces of the bottom flanges 55 of column BC6. Thus, even though the ejector solenoid E86 is deenergized before the pack is fully ejected, the ejector E6 stays up via its crosshead being held up and the crosshead continues to push the pack forward out of column BC6.

B13. As the carriage 21 continues to move forward, the pack P being ejected from column BC6 raises the center bank vend flap VFB and actuates the center vend flap switch 361, opening its movable contactor off its upper contact and bringing the latter down on its lower contact.

. B14. Actuation of switch 361 as above-noted results in deenergization of the coil of relay R3, opening its contacts S1R3, S2R3 and S3R3.

B15 B17. Generally the same as steps A15 A17.

B18. Generally the same as step A18 except that the ejector is E6 and the column is BC6.

B19. Generally the same as step A19 except that the selector switch involved in SBC6.

B20. Generally the same as step A20.

B21. Generally the same as step A21 except that the A and B switches involved are EC6A and EC6B.

B22. Generally the same as step A22.

If column BC6 should be empty, the ejector E6 will go through the motions of ejecting a pack, but, since there is no pack to eject, the center bank vend flap VFB is not actuated, and switch 361 remains closed. As a result, relays R3 and R2 remain energized, the movable contactor of the set of contacts S1R2 remains down, and the coin-handling reset motor CHRM remains off, so that the money deposited by the purchaser is held in escrow as previously described in connection with column AC1.

Selection of a pack of cigarettes stocked in any one of columns BCl BCS or BC7 BC12 of the center bank B is effected by actuation of the respective selector switch SBC and the operation generally parallels the above (except, of course, that the respective ejector E is actuated for ejection ofa pack from the respective column BC).

Selection of a pack of cigarettes stocked in any one of columns CCl CC12 of the front bank is effected by actuation of the respective selector switch SCCl SCC12. Considering that switch SCC12 is actuated to purchase a pack from column CC12, operation proceeds according to the following steps:

Cl. Generally the same as step A1 above except that the movable contactor of switch CDS is closed on its lower contact.

C2. Generally the same as step A2 except that the ejector solenoid ES 12 for ejector E12 is energized, and the front bank solenoid CR is energized (instead of AR). This throws switch CR1 down.

C3. Generally the same as step A3 except that ejector E12 swings up (instead of El) and switches EC12A and EC12B have their buttons released.

C4. Generally the same as step A4 except that release of the button of switch EC12B deenergizes relay R1.

C 5. Generally the same as step A5 except that switch EC12A deenergizes solenoid ES12, ejector E12 is released, and EC12A sets up a standby circuit for solenoid E812 via the front bank switch 235 when this switch is actuated by carriage 21 as it moves forward.

C6. Same as A6.

C7. Same as A7.

C8. Switch 235 is released, but without actuation of solenoid ESl since switch CR1 is down.

C9 and C10. The carriage 21 moves rearward and completes its rearward movement without any ejector being up.

Cl l C12. The carriage 21 moves forward as in steps Al 1 A12 but without any actuation of any ejector until the flange 177 on its left end plate 97 engages the arm 263 of the cam 259 and thereby swings this cam to release the button of the front bank switch 235. The latter thereupon closes, completing the circuit for the ejector solenoid E812 from line 371, switch EC12A (closed on its lower contact), the remaining A switches, line 381, switch 235 (closed), line 467 and switch CR1 (closed on its lower contact). Solenoid E812, being energized, swings up ejector E12. Preferably, this occurs before the crosshead 141 of ejector E12 has travelled out from under the center bank B, and the crosshead strikes the bottom flanges 55 of column BC12 and slides forward until it clears these flanges. Then it swings up to the point where it strikes stop 68a and enters the lower end of column CC12 and starts pushing the lowermost pack of the stack in this column forward and out through the ejection opening 67 of this column. As the carriage 21 continues to move forward, the flange 177 on its left end plate 97 wipes off the arm 263 of cam 259, and the latter pushes the button of the front bank switch 235 back in, opening the latter. This breaks the circuit for the ejector solenoid E812 and the ejector E12 is thereby freed to swing down, but does so only to the point where its crosshead 141 engages the upper surfaces of the bottom flanges 45 of column CC12. Thus, even though the ejector solenoid ES12 is deenergized before the pack is fully ejected, the ejector E12 stays up via its crosshead being held up and the crosshead continues to push the pack forward out of column CC12.

C13. As the carriage 21 continues to move forward, the pack P being ejected from column CC12 raises the front bank vend flap VFC and actuates the front vend flap switch 363, opening its movable contactor off its upper contact and bringing the latter down on its lower contact.

Cl4. Actuation of switch 363 as above results in deenergization of the coil of relay R3, opening its contacts SlR3, S2R3 and S3R3.

C15 C17. Generally the same as steps A15 Al7.

C18. Generally the same as step Al 8 except that the ejector is E12 and the column is CC12.

C19. Generally the same as step C19 except that the selector switch involved is SCC12.

C20. Generally the same as step A20.

C21. Generally the same as step A2l except that the A and B switches involved are EC12A and EC12B.

C22. Generally the same as step A22.

Selection of a pack of cigarettes stocked in any one of columns CCl CC 11 of the front bank C is effected by actuation of the respective selector switch SCC and the operation generally parallels the above (except, of course, that the respective ejector E is actuated for ejection of a pack from the respective column CC).

If column CC12 should be empty, the ejector E12 will go through the motions of ejecting a pack, but, since there is no pack to eject, the front bank vend flap VFC is not actuated, and switch 353 remains closed. As a result, relays R3 and R2 remain energized, the movable contactor of the set of contacts S1R2 remains down, and the coin-handling reset motor CHRM remains off, so that the money deposited by the purchaser is held in escrow as previously described in connection with column AC1.

It will be observed that the carriage 21 is movable forward underneath the three banks A, B and C of columns through an ejection stroke after it has first been moved rearward from its FIG. 6 home position to its FIG. 1 position, the ejection stroke taking it forward first underneath bank A, then underneath bank B and then underneath bank C for ejection of a pack from a column in bank A, or bank B or bank C (depending on the selection made by the customer). The carriage carries the pack ejected from any column forward and delivers it into the delivery pan 7, in which it is presented end up and inclined forward for being conveniently picked up by the customer. Not only does this feature provide for convenient product pick-up by the customer, but it is also a factor in minimizing the depth of the cabinet (its front-to-rear dimension) in conjunction with the spacing of the three banks A, B and C of columns less than the pack length, and in providing an antipilferage arrangement. This spacing is permitted by the upward stepping of the lower ends of banks B and C, enabling ejection of a pack from any column in bank A underneath bank B, and ejection of a pack from any column in bank B underneath bank C. This upward stepping from rear to front in conjunction with the upwardly inclined path of travel of the carriage 21 from rear to front enables a relatively high location of the delivery pan 7 for delivery of a pack to the customer at a relatively high elevation as is desirable. 

1. A vendor comprising a plurality of banks of columns, each column being adapted to hold a stack of articles to be vended, means mounting said banks generally parallel to one another in vertically fixed positions relative to one another and arranged so that each column in each bank is generally coplanar with a respective column in each other bank in a vertical plane generally at right angles to the planes of the banks thereby providing a plurality of side-by-side rows of columns with the number of rows corresponding to the number of columns in each bank, and with the number of columns in each row corresponding to the number of banks, each column being adapted for ejection of the lowermost article of the respective stack in one direction in the respective row, a carriage movable underneath the banks in said one direction through an ejection stroke, a single series of ejectors, one for each of said rows of columns, each carried by the carriage for movement from a retracted position to an article-ejecting position for ejection of the lowermost article of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves in said one direction through an ejecting stroke, the carriage, in moving through said ejecting stroke, travelling underneath the banks of columns one after another for ejection of articles from all of the columns in each row by the ejector for that row, said mounting means holding all the columns in vertically fixed operative position at the same time with the lower end of each column in position for ejection of the lowermost article of the respective stack by the respective ejector when said ejector is in its article-ejecting position, and means for effecting ejection of an article from a selected column comprising means for effecting movement of said carriage through an ejecting stroke and means for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which said selected column is situated from its retracted position to its ejecting position prior to said ejector reaching the bank in which said selected column is situated and after it has cleared any preceding column.
 2. A vendor as set forth in claim 1 wherein the banks of columns are arranged one in front of another spaCed apart a distance less than the length of articles which are stacked in the columns, and wherein the lower ends of the banks are arranged in stepped formation for ejection of articles from each bank other than the front bank underneath the next bank forward.
 3. A vendor as set forth in claim 1 having a delivery station at the front, and wherein each ejector comprises means for pushing the lowermost article of a stack forward out of the respective column and on to the carriage, the article being delivered to the delivery station at the forward end of the ejecting stroke of the carriage.
 4. A vendor as set forth in claim 3 having means for effecting tilting of the carriage at the forward end of its ejecting stroke for delivery of an article from the carriage to the delivery station.
 5. A vendor as set forth in claim 3 wherein each column in each bank has a front ejection opening at its lower end through which the lowermost article of the stack in the column may be pushed out, each ejector comprising an arm pivoted adjacent the front of the carriage and swingable upwardly from a lowered retracted position on the carriage to a raised ejecting position and having a pusher at its rearward end for engaging the rearward end of an article when the arm is in its raised ejecting position for pushing the article forward.
 6. A vendor as set forth in claim 5 having a plurality of solenoids on the carriage, one for each ejector arm, each operable to swing the respective arm from its lowered to its raised position.
 7. A vendor comprising a plurality of banks of columns, each column being adapted to hold a stack of articles to be vended, means mounting said banks generally parallel to one another in vertically fixed positions relative to one another and arranged so that each column in each bank is generally coplanar with a respective column in each other bank in a vertical plane generally at right angles to the planes of the banks thereby providing a plurality of side-by-side rows of columns with the number of rows corresponding to the number of columns in each bank, and with the number of columns in each row corresponding to the number of banks, each column being adapted for ejection of the lowermost article of the respective stack in one direction in the respective row, a carriage movable underneath the banks in said one direction through an ejection stroke, a single series of ejectors, one for each of said rows of columns, each carried by the carriage for movement from a retracted position to an article-ejecting position for ejection of the lowermost article of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves in said one direction through an ejecting stroke, the carriage, in moving through said ejecting stroke, travelling underneath the banks of columns one after another for ejection of articles from all of the columns in each row by the ejector for that row, and means for effecting ejection of an article from a selected column comprising means for effecting movement of said carriage through an ejecting stroke and means for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which said selected column is situated from its retracted position to its ejecting position prior to said ejector reaching the bank in which said selected column is situated, wherein the banks of columns are arranged one in front of another spaced apart a distance less than the length of articles which are stacked in the columns, and wherein the lower ends of the banks are arranged in stepped formation for ejection of articles from each bank other than the front bank underneath the next bank forward, and having three banks of columns, namely a rear bank, a center bank and a front bank, with the lower end of the center bank above the lower end of the rear bank and the lower end of the front bank above the lower end of the center bank.
 8. A vendor as set forth in claim 7 wherein each column in each bank has a front ejection opening at its lower end through which thE lowermost article of the stack in the column may be pushed out, the ejection openings of the columns of the three banks lying generally in a plane inclined upwardly from the rear toward the front of the vendor, the means for effecting movement of the carriage through an ejecting stroke comprising means for moving the carriage in a plane generally parallel to the plane of said ejection openings.
 9. A vendor as set forth in claim 7 having a cabinet housing the three banks of columns and the carriage, said cabinet having a front door, the front and center banks of columns being mounted for movement out of the cabinet for loading when the front door of the cabinet is opened.
 10. A vendor as set forth in claim 9 wherein the front and center banks comprise an assembly mounted to be swung out of the cabinet about a vertical axis at one side of the cabinet for loading when the front door of the cabinet is opened, the columns of the front bank being structured for being loaded from the front and the columns of the center bank being structured for being loaded from the rear when so swung out, and the rear bank being mounted in fixed position at the rear of the cabinet and structured for being loaded from the front.
 11. A vendor for packs of cigarettes comprising a cabinet, a rear, a center and a front bank of columns in the cabinet, each bank comprising a plurality of side-by-side columns with each column adapted to hold a stack of packs and adapted for ejection of the lowermost pack, means mounting the banks generally parallel to one another in vertically fixed positions relative to one another and arranged so that each column in each bank is generally coplanar with a respective column in each other bank in a vertical plane generally at right angles to the planes of the banks thereby providing a plurality of side-by-side rows of columns with the number of rows corresponding to the number of columns in each bank, and with the number of columns in each row corresponding to the number of banks, said cabinet having a delivery station at the front, a carriage movable underneath the banks from the rear of the cabinet toward the front through an ejecting stroke, a plurality of ejectors, one for each of said rows of columns, carried by the carriage for movement from a retracted position below the lower ends of the columns to a pack-ejecting position for ejection of the lowermost article of the stack in a column of the respective row as the carriage moves forward through an ejecting stroke, a plurality of purchaser-operable selector switches, one for each column, means for effecting ejection of a pack from a selected column on operation of the respective selector member comprising means for effecting movement of the carriage through an ejecting stroke, means for effecting movement of the ejector for the row in which said selected column is situated from its retracted position to its ejecting position prior to said ejector reaching the bank in which said selected column is situated, the pack being ejected on to the carriage and being delivered to the delivery station at the forward end of the ejecting stroke of the carriage, and means for controlling the timing of the operation of the ejectors comprising a rear, a center and a front bank switch operable by the carriage to effect raising of an ejector rearward of the rear bank for ejection of a pack from a selected column of the rear bank, rearward of the center bank for ejection of a pack from a selected column of the center bank and rearward of the front bank for ejection of a pack from a selected column of the front bank.
 12. A vendor as set forth in claim 11 wherein the banks of columns are spaced apart a distance less than the length of the packs, and the lower end of the center bank is above the lower end of the rear bank, and the lower end of the front bank is above the lower end of the center bank.
 13. A vendor as set forth in claim 12 wherein each column in each bank has a front ejection opening at its lower end through which the lowermost pack of the stack in the column may be pushed out, the ejection openings of the columns of the three banks lying generally in a plane inclined upwardly from the rear toward the front of the vendor, the means for effecting movement of the carriage through an ejecting stroke comprising means for moving the carriage in a plane generally parallel to the plane of said ejection openings and tilting the carriage up and forward as it reaches the forward end of its ejecting stroke for a pack on the carriage to slide off the carriage to the delivery station.
 14. A vendor as set forth in claim 12 wherein each column in each bank has spaced side flanges at the bottom for supporting a stack of packs therein, and a front ejection opening and a rear ejector entry opening at its lower end, and wherein each ejector comprises an arm pivoted adjacent the front of the carriage and swingable upwardly from a lowered retracted position on the carriage to a raised ejecting position and having a pusher at its rearward end adapted to enter an ejector entry opening and push a pack forward and out the respective ejection opening when the arm is raised, said arms being located side-by-side on the carriage.
 15. A vendor as set forth in claim 14 wherein the pusher on each arm comprises a crosshead on a stem at the rearward end of the arm, the crosshead being adapted to bear on the bottom flanges of a column.
 16. A vendor as set forth in claim 15 wherein the center bank switch is located for actuation by the carriage to swing an arm up initially for engagement of its crosshead with the bottom of the rear bank, and the front bank switch is located for actuation by the carriage to swing an arm up initially for engagement of its crosshead with the bottom of the center bank. 